Rocky Road For Goodby, Porsche

The five-year relationship between Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and Porsche Cars North America has become tenuous, according to sources. The problems stem mainly from creative differences over the next round of work, believed to be for the flagship Porsche 911 Carrera. Sources also said the agency has become increasingly frustrated with the approval process, which involves getting the nod from officials in Germany before running ads in the U.S. In addition, Reno, Nev.-based Porsche is said to be moving its headquarters to Atlanta. It could not be determined at press time whether the relocation has complicated the already shaky relationship. San Francisco-based Goodby and Porsche could not be reached. Over the years, Goodby has created a series of mostly humorous campaigns for the client. The lush yet tongue-in-cheek magazine ads are among the agency’s signature work. The ads carry the line: “There is no substitute.” The account is worth $10-15 million in billings.